Gold Star

Gold Star Members are Superheroes Too

A Gold Star member is defined as a spouse, mother, daughter, or sister of a fallen service member who died in service to his or her country.

Gold Star Service Flags are displayed to help us recognize the Gold Star families. The U.S. Department of Defense issues Gold Star lapel pins to immediate family members of fallen service members. These pins are worn by spouses, parents, and children of services members killed in the line of duty and contain a gold star on a purple circular background.

Units are encouraged to honor their Gold Star members throughout the year. There are several ways to honor these members. Your units can pay a member’s dues or purchase the Gold Star flag or lapel pin. You may choose to honor their loved one with a dedicated service project.

Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost any family member in service to their country. This year, it will be on Sunday September 24th. We will again have a dinner honoring Gold Star Members and Past Presidents at Convention. Units are encouraged to send these well deserving women for recognition.

The Department Awards are the following:

Starr’s Heartwarmers Plaque: Units should nominate and select a Gold Star Member of the Year. Please write a narrative, not to exceed 1000 words. It must be signed by the Unit President. The narrative should include eligibility, offices and chairmanships held, and any other outstanding qualities.

Entries need to be sent to the Department Chairman by the deadline date.

Personal Awards are as follows:

  • $10.00 personal award to the unit submitting the best Gold Star report. Units are encouraged to honor these families. Include all activities in your reports. Entries to be sent to the Department Chairman by the due date.
  • $10.00 to the Auxiliary member submitting the best Gold Star Poem. This will be an original poem with a Gold Star themem. The deadline for the poem to the chair person will be May 1, 2024.

Please honor your Gold Star members throughout the entire year and remember to report it. Don’t forget the Fallen Heroes Wall of Honor. I encourage you to check it out on the Department Website and add your Fallen Heroes.

Debbie Myles  |  jewelrygranny@yahoo.com  | 217-231-8909

Fallen Heroes Wall of Honor

Department Resources

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